Creative Icon: Marc Newson

Since graduating from the Sydney College of Arts in 1984, Marc Newson has enjoyed a dazzling career. The man's portfolio is incredible: he designed the iconic Embryo Chair in 1988, he co-founded the Ikepod watch company in 1994, he's currently creative director for Qantas, and joined Apple in 2012, helping produce the Apple Watch.

This year Newson's Lockheed Lounge surpassed its own record for the world's most expensive design object, selling for nearly £2.5 million. Safe to say, he's a man in demand. Having already been selected as one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2005, and appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2012, it's a fair bet that the next few years will see further accolades bestowed on this celebrated designer.

Marc Newson was presented with his award by Thomas Heatherwick, who said "this person has blown our brains off with designing the Apple Watch in collaboration with Jonny Ive. This person has designed everything. One of my team was even given a vibrator that he designed. This person has a phenomenal interest in craft and materials."